According to the latest figures about
Domestic Violence Orders in NSW from the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research, NSW Courts issued 26,491 Apprehended Domestic Violence Orders (ADVOs) in 2014. Of those 26,491 Orders, 11,788 were breached – almost 44% of all ADVOs issued by the Courts.
It is not surprising that 80% of AVO applications are brought by women and following the 2014 statistics on
Domestic Violence Orders in NSW, experts have warned that domestic violence is reaching “epidemic proportions”.
Whilst an ADVO is not a criminal charge, breaching such an Order is a criminal offence in NSW. Domestic Violence Chief Executive, Ms Baulch, has commented that the state government needs to introduce stronger deterrents for those who breach an ADVO.
Rosie Batty, who has become a spokesperson for victims of domestic violence since her former husband, Greg, murdered their 11 year old son, Luke, in Melbourne last year has agreed that AVOs are worthless when people are intent on committing an act of violence.
She has said that ” an intervention order (ADVO) is an essential step. It is the only step available to you really when you go to find safety… but it only really works when somebody is going to follow it. For a recidivist or someone that’s going to re-offend it is only a piece of paper”.
If you have questions or concerns regarding an Application for an Apprehended Domestic Violence Order or Apprehended Personal Violence Order, contact Brazel Moore Lawyers on (02) 4324 7699 to speak to one of our experienced Solicitors today.
